Easy Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Savory chicken strips stir-fried with mushrooms in a deliciously peppery sauce. Perfect served hot over rice or noodles!

Recipe Card 📋

Servings & Timing:

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Servings: 4 servings
• Dietary Badges: High Protein, Dairy-Free, W-W Friendly

Ingredients:

• 🍗 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 🌽 Cornstarch
• 🧂 Salt
• 🌶️ Freshly ground black pepper
• 🛢️ Vegetable oil
• 🧅 Onion
• 🍄 Mushrooms
• 🧄 Garlic cloves
• 🥢 Soy sauce
• 🦪 Oyster sauce
• 🥜 Sesame oil
• 💧 Water
• 🌿 Green onions (optional garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Chicken:
   Slice chicken breasts into thin strips. Toss with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Cook Chicken:
   Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken strips until fully cooked (5-7 mins). Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Cook Vegetables:
   Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to skillet. Sauté chopped onion and sliced mushrooms until tender (about 5 mins).
4. Make Sauce:
   Stir minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and water into skillet. Simmer for 2-3 mins until slightly thickened.
5. Combine:
   Return chicken to skillet, mixing thoroughly with vegetables and sauce.
6. Season & Serve:
   Add extra freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Additional Notes 💡:

• Freshly ground black pepper significantly enhances flavor.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce if sodium-conscious.

Brief Introduction 📝

This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a quick stir-fry that’s packed with bold flavor, perfect for busy weeknights. Inspired by classic Asian dishes, it combines savory, umami-rich ingredients with a peppery kick. It’s become a regular in our home thanks to its ease and versatility!

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide 🍳📸

Step 1: Chicken Prep

Slice chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking, then coat thoroughly with cornstarch and seasoning for a crisp exterior.

Tip: Ensure chicken is patted dry before coating to improve crispiness.

Step 2: Searing Chicken

Use high heat to quickly brown chicken without drying it out. Remove chicken immediately once cooked to maintain tenderness.

Step 3: Veggie Cooking

Cook onions and mushrooms until softened but not overly browned. This maintains their texture and flavor.

Tip: Slice mushrooms thicker if you prefer a meatier texture.

Step 4: Sauce Simmering

Combine sauce ingredients, simmer briefly to slightly thicken, creating the perfect glaze for the dish.

Troubleshooting Tip: If sauce isn’t thickening, mix a small amount of extra cornstarch with water and stir in.

Step 5: Final Mix & Serve

Combine everything in the skillet for a minute to blend flavors perfectly.

Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips 🛒

• Chicken: Substitute chicken thighs or tofu for different textures.
• Mushrooms: Cremini or shiitake mushrooms work best, but white mushrooms can be used.
• Oyster Sauce Substitute: Hoisin sauce or additional soy sauce for dietary preferences.
• Sesame Oil: Adds depth; skip if allergic, but flavor profile may change slightly.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions 🍽️🌟

• Flavor Variations:
  • Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra veggies.
  • Stir in chili flakes for heat lovers.
• Dietary Variations:
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives.
  • Low-Carb/Keto: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Serving Ideas:
  • Best served hot over jasmine rice, soba noodles, or steamed veggies.
  • Pair with a fresh cucumber salad or steamed bok choy.
• Pairing Suggestions:
  • Complements a cold glass of green tea or a crisp, dry Riesling wine.

Storage & Make-Ahead Info ❄️⏲️

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Microwave gently until hot, or quickly reheat in a skillet with a splash of water.
• Make Ahead: Pre-slice chicken and vegetables to speed up meal prep during busy nights.

Nutrition Facts 📊 (per serving)

• Calories: 230 kcal
• Carbs: 8g
• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• W-W Points: Approx. 3 W-W points per serving
• Dietary Highlights: High-Protein, Low-Calorie, Dairy-Free
• Allergen Tags: Contains soy, sesame.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓🙋‍♀️

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?
  Yes, replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh.
• Is this recipe spicy?
  No, but you can easily increase spice by adding chili flakes.
• Can I freeze this dish?
  Yes, freezes well up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Personal Story and Notes 📖

I created this dish after tasting a similar version in a cozy Asian fusion restaurant. Its balanced peppery warmth and savory depth immediately became a household favorite. Quick yet flavorful, it’s now my go-to recipe for weeknight dinners when we crave something satisfying but fuss-free.

What’s your favorite addition to stir-fry recipes? Share your tips below!

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